THE TEETH OF MAN. 21 



The second molar does not greatly differ from the first 

 save that the roots are more often confluent, and the fifth 

 cusp less marked, even if it exists at all. 



FIG. 10 



Third molars, denies sapientice, wisdom teeth, of the upper 

 jaw, resemble in a general way the first and second molars ; 

 that is, when they are well developed and placed in a roomy 

 dental arch. But amongst more civilised races it may 

 almost be said to be exceptional for the wisdom teeth to be 

 regular either in form or position, so that extreme variability 

 prevails among these teeth. 



The two inner tubercles are often blended together and 

 the roots confluent, forming an abruptly tapering cone, the 

 apex of which is often bent and crooked, so that but little 

 vestige of the three roots can be traced, the pulp cavity even 

 being quite single. 



Third lower molar. This tooth is seldom so small as 

 the corresponding upper tooth, and its crown is often large 

 even when its roots are very stunted. It has five cusps as 

 a rule, and bears a more or less close resemblance to the 

 molars which precede it. It is either two-rooted, or if the 

 roots be confluent, a groove usually marks a tendency to 

 division into two fangs. 



It is stated by Prof. Owen (" Odontography," page 454) 

 that although the wisdom tooth is the smallest of the three 

 molars, the difference is less marked in the Melanian than in 



( ] ) Second lower molar of right side, the four cusps being indicated by 

 figures. 



